Mediators successfully resolved the final obstacles to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, as confirmed by the Palestinian militant group. The head of Hamas' Martyrs and Prisoners Office wing, Zaher Jabareen, stated that the issues that had arisen due to the Israeli occupation's failure to adhere to the ceasefire agreement terms were resolved early on Friday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office had indicated on Thursday that last-minute hurdles were being addressed at the negotiating table in Doha, Qatar. Later in the day, it was confirmed that a deal had been reached. The initial phase of the agreement is set to take effect on Sunday, pending approval from the Israeli cabinet. As part of the first phase, 33 hostages who had been held by Hamas and its allies since the October 7 attacks will be released.
